Top 10 Nigerian Musicians Discovered on Social Media

In today’s digital age, social media has become a powerful platform for discovering and promoting new musical talent. For many Nigerian artists, social media has been the gateway to a successful music career, allowing them to connect with fans, showcase their skills, and gain recognition from major industry players. Here’s a list of the top 10 Nigerian musicians who were discovered on social media and went on to make a significant impact in the music industry.

1 Rema

Rema’s journey to fame began when he posted a freestyle on Instagram that went viral, catching the attention of D’Prince, who then introduced him to Don Jazzy of Mavin Records. His debut song “Dumebi” became a massive hit, propelling him to international fame. Since then, Rema has released several chart-topping songs and has become a global ambassador for Afrobeats, with his unique blend of Afrobeat, trap, and pop.

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2 Tems

Tems gained attention on social media with her debut single “Mr. Rebel,” which she promoted heavily online. Her unique voice and soulful style quickly captivated fans, and her subsequent song, “Try Me,” further established her as a rising star. International collaborations, including her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” and later with Drake on “Fountains,” solidified her place in the global music scene. Tems’ success showcases the power of social media to elevate emerging talent.

3 Fireboy DML

Discovered by Olamide’s YBNL Nation through his music on social media, Fireboy DML quickly became one of Nigeria’s top Afrobeats stars. His debut album, *Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps*, featuring hits like “Jealous,” “Vibration,” and “King,” resonated with fans worldwide. Fireboy’s distinct sound and relatable lyrics have made him a favorite, with social media playing a crucial role in building his fanbase.

4 CKay

CKay, the artist behind the viral global hit “Love Nwantiti,” gained significant attention on TikTok, where fans used the song in countless videos. His Afrobeat-meets-R&B sound captivated listeners across the world, making him one of Nigeria’s biggest breakout stars in recent years. CKay’s music found a worldwide audience thanks to TikTok, showing how social media can amplify an artist’s reach beyond traditional channels.

5 Joeboy

Joeboy was discovered by Mr Eazi through his social media page and was subsequently signed to emPawa Africa, Mr Eazi’s talent incubator. Joeboy’s hit songs, including “Baby,” “Beginning,” and “Don’t Call Me Back,” quickly became anthems, making him a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene. Social media helped Joeboy connect with a larger audience and showcase his talent to industry insiders.

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6 Teni

Teni started sharing her freestyle videos on Instagram, where her humorous personality and unique style caught the attention of music fans. Her breakout song “Fargin” quickly went viral, and hits like “Case” and “Uyo Meyo” followed, establishing her as a star. Teni’s vibrant personality and authentic storytelling resonated with audiences, proving that social media is a powerful tool for artists to showcase their identity and build a loyal fanbase.

7 Buju (BNXN)

Buju, now known as BNXN, gained popularity by sharing freestyle videos and covers on Twitter and Instagram. His talent caught the eye of Burna Boy, who collaborated with him on the song “Lenu.” Since then, BNXN has become a sought-after artist, with collaborations alongside Wizkid, Zlatan, and Ladipoe.

Social media was instrumental in connecting him with fans and fellow musicians, helping him establish a strong presence in the Nigerian music industry.

8 Bella Shmurda

Bella Shmurda’s breakthrough came after he shared his music on social media, where his song “Vision 2020” gained massive traction. Olamide noticed his talent and collaborated with him on a remix of the song, propelling Bella into the limelight. Bella Shmurda’s street-style sound and relatable lyrics connected with young Nigerians, making him one of the most popular breakout stars from social media.

9 Laycon

Laycon’s rise to fame began with his participation in the reality show *Big Brother Naija*, but he was already sharing his music on social media before joining the show. As fans discovered his music through his Instagram and YouTube channels, his songs, such as “Fierce” and “Hip Hop,” gained popularity. Winning *Big Brother Naija* expanded his reach, and Laycon has since become a prominent figure in Nigerian music, leveraging his social media presence to grow his fanbase.

10 Omah Lay

Omah Lay became popular on social media when his songs “Do Not Disturb” and “Hello Brother” gained traction on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. His debut EP, *Get Layd*, solidified his presence in the Nigerian music scene, with hits like “Bad Influence” and “You” winning over fans. Omah Lay’s smooth, laid-back sound and storytelling have made him one of Nigeria’s most promising new artists, with social media helping him gain rapid recognition.

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Conclusion

These ten artists are proof that social media has revolutionized the music industry, providing a platform for talent discovery and helping artists connect directly with their fans.

From viral TikTok challenges to Instagram freestyles, these musicians have shown how powerful social media can be for reaching new audiences and building a career. As social media continues to shape the industry, we can expect to see even more Nigerian musicians making their mark on the world stage.